The Little-Known Story of Lwam Getachew Bekele: Fidel Odinga’s Widow

In Kenya’s most politically watched family, one name quietly stands out — Lwam Getachew Bekele. The widow of Fidel Odinga, son of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, has always been a figure of mystery.

Unlike most public figures tied to power, she rarely speaks, never courts media attention, and keeps her life private. Yet, every few years, her name re-emerges — often linked to matters of inheritance, family, or justice.

Now, nearly a decade after Fidel’s death, Lwam is back in the headlines — this time seeking control of his unclaimed financial assets.

1. A Woman of Mystery

Lwam’s origins remain mostly unknown to many Kenyans. She is of Eritrean-Ethiopian heritage, born to Timnit Embaye, a woman from the Tigrinya community. Lwam grew up between Addis Ababa and Nairobi, giving her a multicultural identity that shaped her calm and respectful demeanor.

Despite her ties to one of Kenya’s most famous families, little is known about her education or early career — only that she has lived in Kenya for over three decades and considers the country her home.

2. Love That Bridged Two Worlds

When Fidel Odinga met Lwam, their relationship was a blend of cultures and faiths. They married in July 2012 at the Greek Orthodox Church in Nairobi, in a ceremony that symbolized unity between the Luo and Eritrean traditions.

The couple welcomed a son, Allay Odinga, before tragedy struck in January 2015, when Fidel was found dead under unclear circumstances. His death not only shocked the Odinga family but also turned Lwam into a widow at a young age.

3. The Widow Who Chose Silence

While many expected her to take a public role after Fidel’s death, Lwam chose silence. She retreated from media and political circles, focusing instead on raising her son. Even when stories of family disagreements and court battles surfaced, she maintained a calm, measured presence.

Her quietness became her armor — a dignified response to public curiosity and rumor.

4. The Long Legal Journey

After Fidel’s passing, disputes arose regarding his estate, which included properties, vehicles, and investments.
Lwam filed to be recognized as the administrator of his estate, ensuring her son’s inheritance would be protected.
While reports suggested friction with members of the Odinga family, both sides eventually settled some matters out of court, giving her partial control and trustee roles over specific assets.

Her legal determination painted a new image of her — not just as a quiet widow, but as a woman unafraid to fight for justice and her child’s future.

5. Seeking Fidel’s Unclaimed Assets

In October 2025, Lwam made fresh headlines after filing an application with the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority (UFAA).
According to reports, she is seeking to be appointed the legal administrator to recover Fidel Odinga’s unclaimed funds and properties listed by the authority.

These include financial accounts and possible investments that were never transferred or claimed after Fidel’s death. Her move is seen as part of her broader effort to secure all remaining parts of her late husband’s legacy, especially for their son’s benefit.

The case underscores her persistence — nearly ten years after Fidel’s passing, Lwam continues to ensure no aspect of his estate is forgotten or lost to bureaucracy.

6. Life Away from Politics

Despite her connection to Kenya’s most political family, Lwam remains apolitical. She avoids rallies and public events, rarely appears in the media, and keeps her personal affairs discreet.
Those close to her describe her as private, strong-willed, and deeply protective of her son.

While others have sought to define her through rumors, her quiet actions — especially in legal matters — show a woman determined to protect her family’s future without noise or drama.

7. What Few Know About Her

Here are a few little-known facts about Lwam Getachew Bekele:

She is a member of the Greek Orthodox Church, where her wedding took place.
She reportedly speaks Amharic, Tigrinya, and English, and understands Swahili.
Before meeting Fidel, she had a child from a previous relationship, whom she raised privately.
Lwam has lived in Nairobi for over 30 years, mostly keeping out of the limelight.
Despite controversies, she has never made any public political statements or interviews.

Conclusion

The story of Lwam Getachew Bekele is one of quiet power. While many focus on her connection to the Odinga family, few recognize her strength as a woman who has endured tragedy, fought complex legal battles, and continued to protect her late husband’s legacy.

As she now seeks Fidel’s unclaimed assets, she reminds Kenyans that strength isn’t always loud — sometimes, it’s the quiet persistence of a woman who refuses to be forgotten. Related story https://www.whispers.co.ke/972/celebrities/2025/fidel-odinga-biography-life-legacy-and-untimely-death-of-raila-odingas-son/